
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Ritz Theater gets largest single award to help with its balance sheet.
By gproyce
The Ritz in Northeast Minneapolis will receive $200,000. File photo/Jeff Wheeler
Thirty arts groups received grants from the McKnight Foundation in its fourth-quarter dispersals. The largest grant, for $200,000, went to the Ritz Theater Foundation in Northeast Minneapolis. McKnight said the grant was intended to "build capacity and build the balance sheet." The Ritz has struggled financially since it was reopened several years ago as the home of the Ballet of the Dolls.
Two organizations received $150,000 grants. The Plymouth Christian Youth Center in Minneapolis received its money for maintaining and operating the Capri Theater on W. Broadway Av. The Textile Center of Minnesota's grant was earmarked for general operating support.
The Forum of Regional Arts Councils of Minnesota, based in Marshall, received $135,000 for infrastructure support. Illusion Theater and VocalEssence, both based in Minneapolis will get $100,000 and $80,000 respectively for general operations; Artspace Projects, Minnesota Theater Alliance and North House Folk School in Grand Marais all received $75,000 grants.
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